U.S. patent number 11,453,333 [Application Number 16/240,495] was granted by the patent office on 2022-09-27 for moodroof for augmented media experience in a vehicle cabin.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Harman International Industries, Incorporated. The grantee listed for this patent is HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Gorm Jorgensen, Christopher Ludwig, Christopher Trestain, Riley Winton.
United States Patent |
11,453,333 |
Winton , et al. |
September 27, 2022 |
Moodroof for augmented media experience in a vehicle cabin
Abstract
In various embodiments, a moodroof media application provides
media content into a vehicle cabin. In operation, the moodroof
media application determines at least one state associated with the
vehicle cabin based on sensor data from at least one sensor. The
moodroof media application then receives media content associated
with the at least one state. The moodroof media application further
causes visual content associated with the media content to be
displayed on at least one display surface positioned on a ceiling
of the vehicle cabin.
Inventors: |
Winton; Riley (Canton, MI),
Jorgensen; Gorm (Struer, DK), Ludwig; Christopher
(Bloomfield Hills, MI), Trestain; Christopher (Livonia,
MI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED |
Stamford |
CT |
US |
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Assignee: |
Harman International Industries,
Incorporated (Stamford, CT)
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Family
ID: |
1000006587225 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/240,495 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190202349 A1 |
Jul 4, 2019 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62613709 |
Jan 4, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R
1/00 (20130101); B60J 7/0007 (20130101); B60Q
3/70 (20170201); B60J 7/043 (20130101); B60Q
3/51 (20170201); B60Q 3/208 (20170201); B60R
11/0235 (20130101); B60R 2011/0028 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60Q
1/00 (20060101); B60J 7/00 (20060101); B60R
11/02 (20060101); B60Q 3/208 (20170101); B60Q
3/70 (20170101); B60Q 3/51 (20170101); B60J
7/043 (20060101); B60R 1/00 (20220101); B60R
11/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;340/438 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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20 2005 014791 |
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Dec 2005 |
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DE |
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2016/115052 |
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Jul 2016 |
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WO |
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2016/166160 |
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Oct 2016 |
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WO |
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2017/191344 |
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Nov 2017 |
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WO |
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Other References
European Search report for application No. 19150284.8 dated Mar. 6,
2019. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Wu; Zhen Y
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Artegis Law Group, LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the priority benefit of the U.S.
Provisional Patent Applications titled, "Configurable Moodroof for
Augmented Spatial Audio/Video Experience," filed on Jan. 4, 2018,
and having Application No. 62/613,709. The subject matter of this
related application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A computer-implemented method for presenting media content
within a vehicle cabin, comprising: determining an initial state
associated with the vehicle cabin based on sensor data from at
least one sensor; selecting media content based on the initial
state associated with the vehicle cabin and a goal state associated
with the vehicle cabin; and causing visual content associated with
the media content to be displayed on at least one display surface
positioned on a ceiling of the vehicle cabin.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one display surface
is disposed vertically below a sunroof of the vehicle cabin.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises
at least one of a vehicle sensor, an environmental sensor, or a
biometric sensor.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial state comprises at
least one of a vehicle state, an environmental state, or an
emotional state of an occupant of the vehicle cabin.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one display surface
comprises a first display surface and a second display surface,
wherein the first display surface is adjacent the second display
surface, and both the first display surface and the second display
surface display the visual content towards an interior of the
vehicle cabin.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the visual content comprises
visual content received from a device associated with an occupant
of the vehicle cabin, and the device is communicatively coupled to
an infotainment system of the vehicle cabin.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one display surface
runs parallel to the ceiling of the vehicle cabin.
8. A system for presenting media content within a vehicle cabin,
comprising: at least one sensor; at least one display surface; a
memory storing a media application; and a processor coupled to the
memory, wherein the processor, when executing the media
application: determines an initial state associated with the
vehicle cabin based on sensor data from the at least one sensor;
selects media content based on the initial state associated with
the vehicle cabin and a goal state associated with the vehicle
cabin; and causes visual content associated with the media content
to be displayed on the at least one display surface.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one display surface
is disposed vertically below a sunroof of the vehicle cabin.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one sensor
comprises at least one of a vehicle sensor, an environmental
sensor, or a biometric sensor.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the initial state comprises at
least one of a vehicle state, an environmental state, or an
emotional state of an occupant of the vehicle cabin.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one display surface
comprises a first display surface and a second display surface,
wherein the first display surface is adjacent the second display
surface, and both the first display surface and the second display
surface display the visual content towards an interior of the
vehicle cabin.
13. The system of claim 8, wherein the visual content comprises
visual content received from a device associated with an occupant
of the vehicle cabin, and the device is communicatively coupled to
an infotainment system of the vehicle cabin.
14. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one display surface
runs parallel to a ceiling of the vehicle cabin.
15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media
including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause
the processor to present media content by performing the steps of:
determining an initial state associated with a vehicle cabin based
on sensor data from at least one sensor; selecting media content
based on the initial state associated with the vehicle cabin and a
goal state associated with the vehicle cabin; and causing visual
content associated with the media content to be displayed on at
least one display surface positioned on a ceiling of the vehicle
cabin.
16. The one or more computer-readable storage media of claim 15,
wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of a vehicle
sensor, an environmental sensor, or a biometric sensor.
17. The one or more computer-readable storage media of claim 15,
wherein the initial state comprises at least one of a vehicle
state, an environmental state, or an emotional state of an occupant
of the vehicle cabin.
18. The one or more computer-readable storage media of claim 15,
wherein the at least one display surface comprises a first display
surface and a second display surface, wherein the first display
surface is adjacent the second display surface, and both the first
display surface and the second display surface display the visual
content towards an interior of the vehicle cabin.
19. The one or more computer-readable storage media of claim 15,
wherein the visual content comprises visual content received from a
device associated with an occupant of the vehicle cabin, and the
device is communicatively coupled to an infotainment system of the
vehicle cabin.
20. The one or more computer-readable storage media of claim 15,
wherein the at least one display surface runs parallel to the
ceiling of the vehicle cabin.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Various Embodiments
The various embodiments relate generally to media systems and, more
specifically, to a moodroof for an augmented media experience in a
vehicle cabin.
Description of the Related Art
Vehicles typically include media systems that provide audio and/or
video information and entertainment to the occupants of the
vehicle. For example, an audio system commonly enables occupants to
receive audio content from a radio, participate in a cell phone
call, receive navigation commands from a navigation subsystem,
receive safety warnings from an advanced driver assistance system
(ADAS), and so forth. Similarly, a visual system commonly enables
occupants to view information associated with audio content, view a
map from a navigation subsystem, receive safety warnings from the
ADAS, and so forth.
Typically, an in-vehicle visual system includes a display on the
dashboard above the center console and may further include one or
more additional displays on the rear faces of the seat headrests.
The dashboard display, which may be a component of an in-vehicle
infotainment system, is typically connected to a head unit via a
wired interface. The dashboard display displays content received
from the head unit, including, but not limited to, vehicle
information, one or more user interfaces for controlling certain
vehicle functions, audio content information, and entertainment
content. A headrest display may be connected to the head unit via a
wired or wireless interface, or may operate independently from the
head unit. The headrest display may display content received from
the head unit (e.g., entertainment content) or content received
from another device (e.g., an optical disk player) connected to the
headrest display.
One drawback of such media systems is that the displays oftentimes
fail to provide an immersive media experience. For example, because
the dashboard and headrest displays are relatively small and/or are
implemented to display vehicle information to the driver, the
screens typically do not provide an immersive visual experience for
vehicle occupants. As a result, vehicle occupants often end up
relying on the visual experiences provided by the environment
outside of the vehicle, for example, as viewed through the vehicle
windows. In many situations, however, the outside environment
provides a poor visual and/or auditory experience for vehicle
occupants. For example, if a vehicle is stuck in traffic and/or if
the outside weather is poor, then the visual and/or auditory
experience provided by the environment can negatively impact the
emotional state of an occupant. As a result, riding in the vehicle
may be a less unenjoyable experience for the occupant.
As the foregoing illustrates, what is needed are more effective
techniques for providing positive media experiences to occupants of
a vehicle cabin.
SUMMARY
One embodiment sets forth method for displaying media content
within a vehicle cabin. The method includes determining at least
one state associated with the vehicle cabin based on sensor data
from at least one sensor, receiving media content associated with
the at least one state, and causing visual content associated with
the media content to be displayed on at least one display surface
positioned on a ceiling of the vehicle cabin.
Further embodiments provide, among other things, a system and one
or more computer-readable storage media configured to implement the
method set forth above.
At least one advantage and technological improvement of the
disclosed techniques is that the ceiling of a vehicle cabin may be
used as a display space for displaying media content to occupants
in the vehicle cabin, while still allowing the ceiling to be opened
in order to let natural light and air flow into the vehicle
cabin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
So that the manner in which the above recited features of the
various embodiments can be understood in detail, a more particular
description of the inventive concepts, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to various embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
the inventive concepts and are therefore not to be considered
limiting of scope in any way, and that there are other equally
effective embodiments.
FIGS. 1A-1B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a moodroof display
system in a vehicle, according to one or more aspects of the
various embodiments;
FIG. 2 is a more detailed illustration of the head unit of FIG. 1,
according to one or more aspects of the various embodiments;
FIG. 3 is more detailed illustration of the sensors of FIG. 2,
according to one or more aspects of the various embodiments;
FIG. 4 is a more detailed illustration of the moodroof media
application of FIG. 2, according to one or more aspects of the
various embodiments;
FIGS. 5A-SE are diagrams illustrating the operation of moodroof
displays, according to one or more aspects of the various
embodiments;
FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrams illustrating the operation of further
moodroof displays, according to one or more aspects of the various
embodiments;
FIGS. 7A-7E are diagrams illustrating the operation of a moodroof
projection surface, according to one or more aspects of the various
embodiments;
FIG. 8 sets forth a flowchart of method steps for displaying media
content on a moodroof display system, according to one or more
aspects of the various embodiments;
FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an implementation of the
moodroof displays of FIGS. 5A-5E, according to one or more aspects
of the various embodiments;
FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of an implementation of the
further example moodroof displays of FIGS. 6A-6C, according to one
or more aspects of the various embodiments; and
FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of an implementation of the
moodroof projection surface of FIGS. 7A-7E, according to one or
more aspects of the various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, numerous specific details are set
forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the various
embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of skilled in the
art that the inventive concepts may be practiced without one or
more of these specific details.
FIGS. 1A-1B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a moodroof display
system in a vehicle 100, according to one or more aspects of the
various embodiments. FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of an upper
portion of the vehicle 100, and FIG. 1B illustrates an exposed top
view of the vehicle 100.
The vehicle 100 includes a roof 102, which shelters the vehicle
cabin 103 and components in the vehicle cabin 103 (e.g., seating,
controls, steering wheel, etc.). In some embodiments, the roof 102
includes a sunroof (not shown). The sunroof may include one or more
glass panels that can be moved to form an opening in the roof 102,
in order to expose the vehicle cabin 103 to an environment outside
of the vehicle 100.
The vehicle 100 further includes one or more moodroof displays 110
installed on the roof 102. The moodroof displays 110 may be
installed on the roof 102 in lieu of, or in addition to, a sunroof.
In various embodiments, the moodroof displays 110 runs parallel to
the roof 102 and displays visual content towards the interior of
the vehicle cabin. Each of the moodroof displays 110 is capable of
displaying media content, under the direction and/or coordination
of the head unit 120, to occupants in vehicle cabin 103. For
example, media content may be output from the head unit 120 to the
moodroof displays 110 for display to occupants in the vehicle cabin
103. In various embodiments, the moodroof displays 110-1 and 110-2
are display devices (e.g., liquid-crystal display (LCD) screens,
light-emitting diode (LED) display screens, organic light-emitting
diode (OLED) display screens, etc.) configured to output media
content received from the head unit 120. In various other
embodiments, a projection surface serves as the moodroof display in
place of (or in addition to) one or more moodroof displays 110. One
or more projectors may then be mounted on the roof 102 or at any
other feasible location in the vehicle. The projector(s) receive
media content from the head unit 120 and project the media content
onto the projection surface.
As shown, vehicle 100 includes two moodroof displays 110-1 and
110-2, positioned on the roof 102 for viewing by occupants within
the vehicle cabin 103. For example, moodroof display 110-1 is
positioned above the front seating, and moodroof display 110-2 is
positioned above the rear seating, as shown in FIG. 1B. It should
be appreciated, however, that the positioning of the moodroof
displays 110 shown in FIG. 1B is an example, and other positions on
the roof 102 are possible. Furthermore, it should be appreciated
that two moodroof displays having certain sizes and aspect ratios
are shown only as examples, and that the moodroof display may
include one, two, three, or more displays of any size, aspect
ratio, and shape.
In various embodiments, at least one moodroof display 110 is
capable of being opened and closed (e.g., moved to and from an open
position and a closed position). For example, at least one moodroof
display 110 may be mounted on a track and motor system. The at
least one moodroof display 110 may then be movable via the track
and motor system from a closed position to an open position, and
vice versa. In some embodiments, a moodroof display may not display
media content while it is at an open position. If a projection
surface is used as the moodroof display, then the projection
surface may be opened and closed, including partial opening and
closing, by being retracted and extended, respectively. A projector
may be disabled from projecting media content onto the projection
surface while the projection surface is fully and/or partially
open. In various embodiments, if multiple moodroof displays are
installed on the roof 102, at least one of the multiple moodroof
displays 110 is fixed.
The vehicle 100 includes a head unit 120. The head unit 120
includes, among other things, a moodroof media application 230 that
controls media output to the moodroof displays 110. The head unit
120 may also include controls (not shown) for opening and closing
the moodroof displays 110. The controls may be operation by
occupants of the vehicle 100 to open and/or close one or more
moodroof displays 110 in the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the
controls for opening and closing the moodroof may be located
elsewhere in the vehicle 100 (e.g., on a portion of the roof 102
that the driver can reach). The moodroof opening/closing controls
may be implemented in any technically feasible manner (e.g.,
buttons, switches, user interface displayed on a touch screen,
etc.). The moodroof media application 230 may implement any number
of techniques for delivering visual media content to the moodroof
displays 110, including wired or wireless transmission. In some
embodiments, media content that is outputted to the moodroof
displays 110 may be acquired from storage located in the vehicle
(e.g., at the head unit 120), a device communicatively coupled to
the vehicle 100 (e.g., a mobile device communicatively coupled to
the head unit 120), and/or a cloud service communicatively coupled
to the vehicle 100.
FIG. 2 is a more detailed illustration of the head unit 120 of FIG.
1, according to one or more aspects of the various embodiments. As
shown, the head unit 120 includes, without limitation, a processor
202 and a system memory 204. The processor 202 and the system
memory 204 may be implemented in any technically feasible fashion.
For example, and without limitation, in various embodiments, any
combination of the processor 202 and the system memory 204 may be
implemented as a stand-alone chip or as part of a more
comprehensive solution that is implemented as an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a
system-on-a-chip (SoC).
The processor 202 generally comprises a programmable processor that
executes program instructions to manipulate input data. The
processor 202 may include any number of processing cores, memories,
and other modules for facilitating program execution. The processor
202 may receive input via any number of user input devices 208 and
generate pixels for display on the display device 206. The user
input devices 208 may include various types of input devices, such
as buttons, a microphone, cameras, a touch-based input device
integrated with a display device 206 (i.e., a touch screen), and
other input devices for providing input data to the head unit 120.
The processor 202 may also generate pixels for display on other
display devices in the vehicle 100, such as moodroof displays
110.
The head unit 120 may support any number of input and output data
types and formats. For example, and without limitation, in some
embodiments, the head unit 120 may include built-in Bluetooth for
hands-free calling and audio streaming, universal serial bus (USB)
connections, speech recognition, camera inputs for any number of
views (e.g., rear view, front view, cabin interior view, roof
exterior view, etc.), video outputs for any number and type of
displays (e.g., headrest-mounted displays, moodroof displays 110),
and any number of audio outputs. In general, any number of sensors,
displays, receivers, transmitters, etc. may be integrated into the
head unit 120 or may be implemented externally to the head unit
120. External devices may communicate with the head unit 120 in any
technically feasible fashion. In alternate embodiments, the vehicle
100 may include any number of standalone units that implement any
amount of the functionality described herein for the head unit 120.
The standalone units are not integrated with the head unit 120 and,
in some embodiments, may replace the head unit 120.
The head unit may output audio content to one or more audio output
devices 212 (e.g., via the audio outputs). Examples of audio output
devices include, without limitation, one or more speakers in the
vehicle 100.
The system memory 204 generally comprises storage chips such as
random access memory (RAM) chips that store application programs
and data for processing by the processor 202. In various
embodiments, the system memory 204 includes non-volatile memory
such as optical drives, magnetic drives, flash drives, or other
storage. In some embodiments, storage 210 may supplement the system
memory 204. The storage 210 may include any number and type of
external memories that are accessible to the processor 202. For
example, and without limitation, the storage 210 may include a
Secure Digital Card, an external Flash memory, a portable compact
disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a
magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the
foregoing.
In addition to or instead of the moodroof media application 230,
the system memory 204 may include any number and type of other
applications. For instance, in some embodiments, the system memory
204 may include an entertainment subsystem, a navigation subsystem,
and an advanced driver assistance subsystem (ADAS), to name a few.
The entertainment subsystem may include software that controls any
number and type of entertainment components, such as an AM/FM
radio, a satellite radio, an audio and video computer files player
(e.g., MP3 audio files player), an optical media player (e.g.,
compact disc (CD) player), and so forth. The navigation subsystem
may include any number and type of applications that enable a
driver to efficiently navigate the vehicle. For example, the
navigation subsystem could include maps, direction routing
software, and the like. The ADAS may include functionality designed
to increase driver safety, automate driving tasks, and the like. In
some embodiments, the functionality of the moodroof media
application 230 may be integrated into or distributed across any
number of other applications (e.g., an infotainment system, the
entertainment subsystem).
The head unit 120 may further be communicatively coupled to a
mobile device 218. Examples of mobile devices 218 include, without
limitation, smartphones, tablets, portable media players, portable
gaming devices, and laptop computers. The head unit 120 may
communicate with the mobile device 218 in any technically feasible
fashion (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, etc.). The head unit 120 may
access content stored in mobile device 218. Further, head unit 120
may receive user inputs and/or commands from the mobile device 218
(e.g., from an app on the mobile device 218 configured to control
various functions of the head unit 120).
The head unit 120 may further communicate with a moodroof actuation
system 216 and optionally a sunroof actuation system 214. The
moodroof actuation system 216 includes motors, tracks, etc. to
implement movement of the moodroof displays 110. If the vehicle 100
is equipped with a sunroof, the sunroof actuation system 214
includes motors, tracks, etc. to implement movement of the sunroof.
The head unit 120, in response to user inputs via moodroof
opening/closing controls (e.g., implemented via user input devices
208) and/or instruction signals from moodroof media application
230, may generate control signals to control the moodroof actuation
system 216, for example, in order to open or close one or more
moodroof displays 110. Similarly, the head unit 120, in response to
user inputs via sunroof opening/closing controls (e.g., implemented
via user input device 208) and/or instruction signals from moodroof
media application 230, may generate control signals to control the
sunroof actuation system 214, for example, in order to open or
close the sunroof. The moodroof opening/closing controls (e.g., a
user input device 208 configured to control the moodroof displays
110) may be located on the head unit 120 or elsewhere in the
vehicle 100 (e.g., on a portion of the roof 102 that the driver can
reach).
In general, a conventional vehicle infotainment system provides
visual media content to one or more conventional display devices
206, which may be located near the dash and/or mounted on a
headrest. In some situations, conventional display devices 206 are
unable to provide immersive visual experiences for occupants in
vehicle 100. As a result, vehicle occupants rely on visual
experiences provided by the environment outside of the vehicle 100
(e.g., as viewed through the vehicle windows). Often, however, the
outside environment provides a poor visual and/or auditory
experience for vehicle occupants. These poor visual and/or auditory
experiences can negatively impact the emotional state of an
occupant, making the ride in the vehicle 100 a less enjoyable
experience for the occupant.
Displaying Media Content on a Moodroof Display
To improve the media experience for occupants of the vehicle 100,
the moodroof media application 230 may receive visual media content
244 from the head unit 120 and output the visual media content to
the moodroof displays 120. Optionally, the moodroof media
application 230 may also receive audio media content 242 from the
head unit 120 and output the audio media content to audio output
device 212. In various embodiments, the moodroof media application
230 may acquire and/or generate visual and/or audio media content
based on sensor data received from one or more sensors 220 and/or
one or more user inputs (e.g., inputs received via user input
devices 208 and/or mobile device 218). In some embodiments, the
moodroof media application 230 may determine one or more states
associated with the vehicle cabin 103 based on the sensor data and
determine the media content to acquire and/or generate based on the
one or more states. The one or more states associated with the
vehicle cabin may include, without limitation, the weather outside
of the vehicle 100, the speed of the vehicle 100, the environment
in which the vehicle 100 is traveling, the occupancy state of the
vehicle cabin 103, and/or the emotional state(s) of one or more
occupants of the vehicle 100. The moodroof media application 230
may acquire media content for output from one or more media sources
250, which may include system memory 204, storage 210, sensors 220,
visual sensors 304 and 306, and/or mobile device 218. In various
embodiments, the moodroof media application 230 may augment
acquired media content (e.g., generate an augmented reality overlay
over a camera image) and output the augmented media content. In
this fashion, the moodroof media application 230 delivers media
content to moodroof displays 110 to enhance the media experience of
occupants of the vehicle 100.
FIG. 3 is a more detailed illustration of the sensors 220 of FIG.
2, according to one or more aspects of the various embodiments. As
shown, sensors 220 may include interior visual sensors 304,
exterior visual sensors 306, biological sensors 312, auditory
sensors 314, behavior sensors 316, vehicle sensors 318, interior
environment sensors 320, and exterior environment sensors 322. Head
unit 120 receives sensor data 330 from one or more of sensors 220
and forwards the sensor data 330 to applications, subsystems, etc.
within head unit 120, including, for example, moodroof media
application 230.
The interior visual sensors 304 may acquire images of the vehicle
cabin 103 and/or occupants in the vehicle cabin 103. The image data
may include facial expressions, body postures, body positions, etc.
of the occupants that may be indicative of the emotional state(s)
and/or mood(s) of one or more of the occupants of the vehicle 100.
The image data may further include views of the vehicle cabin 103
showing where occupants are located and how occupants are postured
within the vehicle cabin 103. In some embodiments, the interior
visual sensors 304 include, without limitation, any number and
combination of infrared cameras, RGB cameras, camera arrays that
provide multiple perspectives on a body and/or head of an occupant
and/or multiple perspectives on the vehicle cabin 103, and depth
cameras that sense body posture and body positioning.
The exterior visual sensors 306 may acquire images of the exterior
of the vehicle 100, including an upward exterior view from the
vehicle 100 (e.g., a view towards the sky from the vehicle 100) and
optionally lateral exterior views from the vehicle 100 (e.g., views
toward the sides, front, and rear of the vehicle 100). In some
embodiments, the exterior visual sensors 304 include, without
limitation, any number and combination of infrared cameras, RGB
cameras, camera arrays that provide multiple perspectives on
exterior views from the vehicle 100, and depth cameras that sense
objects outside of the vehicle 100.
The biological sensors 312 produce biological data that may
correlate with the emotional state(s) and/or mood(s) of one or more
of the occupants of the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the
biological sensors 312 include, without limitation, any number and
combination of Galvanic skin response sensors that measure
emotional arousal, image sensors that detect blood oxygen levels,
heat sensors that detect blood flow, optical sensors that detect
blood flow, electroencephalography sensors that detect surface
potentials of brains, magnetoencephalography sensors that detect
neural activities, and the like.
The auditory sensors 314 produce audio data that may indicate the
emotional state(s) and/or mood(s) of one or more of the occupants
of the vehicle 100. More precisely, the words spoken by an
individual as well as the way the individual speaks a given phrase
are often indicative of sentiment and mood. In some embodiments,
the auditory sensors 314 include, without limitation, any number
and combination of microphones, microphone arrays, and the
like.
The behavior sensors 316 may produce tactile data, electronic
activity data, etc. that provide insight into the activities of
individuals around the vehicle 100 as well as occupants within the
vehicle 100. The detected activities may be indicative of the
emotional state(s) and/or mood(s) of one or more of the occupants
of the vehicle 100. For instance, in some embodiments, the behavior
sensors 316 include, without limitation, any number of mobile usage
sensors that detect usage of mobile devices. In general, a pattern
of applications used by an occupant may correlate to a mood. For
instance, if an application is categorized as a fun, social
application, then the use of the application may correlate with a
joyful, social mood.
In the same or other embodiments, the behavior sensors 316 include,
without limitation, pressure sensors, touch sensors, acoustic
sensors, and button press sensors that indicate how an occupant is
placing their hands. The tactile data may be indicative of the mood
of the occupant. For example, tactile data that an occupant is
pressing keys with unnecessary force may indicate an agitated
mood.
Vehicle sensor(s) 318 produce data that indicates one or more
states and/or characteristics of the vehicle 100, including,
without limitation, a linear speed of the vehicle 100, a turning
speed and radius of the vehicle 100, distance travelled by the
vehicle 100 on the current trip, time travelled by the vehicle 100
on the current trip, direction of travel by the vehicle 100, etc.
In some embodiments, the vehicle sensors 318 include, without
limitation, speedometers, accelerometers, compasses, timers,
odometers, etc.
Interior environment sensors 320 produce data that indicates one or
more states of the interior environment of the vehicle 100 (e.g.,
one or more states of the vehicle cabin 103), including, without
limitation, a temperature within the vehicle cabin 103, a humidity
within the vehicle cabin 103, an air pressure level within the
vehicle cabin 103, a light intensity within the vehicle cabin 103,
a rating of air quality within in the vehicle cabin 103, etc. In
some embodiments, the interior environment sensors 320 include,
without limitation, thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, lux
meters, air quality meters, etc.
Exterior environment sensors 322 produce data that indicates one or
more states of the exterior environment of the vehicle 100 (e.g.,
one or more states associated with the outside of the vehicle 100,
such as road conditions), including, without limitation, a
temperature outside of the vehicle 100, a humidity outside of the
vehicle 100, an air pressure level outside of the vehicle 100, a
light intensity outside of the vehicle 100, a rating of air quality
outside of the vehicle 100, weather conditions outside of the
vehicle 100, etc. In some embodiments, the exterior environment
sensors 322 include, without limitation, thermometers, hygrometers,
barometers, lux meters, air quality meters, etc.
FIG. 4 is a more detailed illustration of the moodroof media
application 230 of FIG. 2, according to one or more aspects of the
various embodiments. Moodroof media application 230 may include a
state determination engine 400, a gating engine 420, a media
acquisition and generation engine 450, and, optionally, a goal
engine 410.
After the moodroof media application 230 receives sensor data 330
from the head unit 120, a state determination engine 400 processes
the sensor data 330 to determine one or more vehicle states 402
(e.g., speed, turning speed, etc.), one or more environmental
states 404 (e.g., temperature outside of vehicle 100, temperature
inside vehicle cabin 103, views outside of vehicle 100, etc.),
and/or one or more emotional states 406 of one or more occupants in
the vehicle cabin 103.
More generally, each of the vehicle states 402, environmental
states 404, and one or more emotional states 406 is associated with
the vehicle cabin 103 in some way. For example, the speed of
vehicle 100 is the speed of the vehicle cabin 103. As another
example, the temperature outside of the vehicle 100 is a
temperature that the vehicle cabin 103 may be exposed to if windows
and/or a sunroof are open. As a further example, the emotional
states of occupants in the vehicle cabin 103 represents a mood
within the vehicle cabin 103.
As part of processing the data, the state determination engine 400
may execute any number of algorithms. For example, for determining
emotional states 406 of occupants in the vehicle 100, the state
determination engine 400 may execute algorithms suitable for
determining emotional states and/or moods, such as natural language
processing algorithms, sentiment analysis, and speech analysis. For
vehicle states 402 and environmental states 404, the state
determination engine 404 may execute any number of suitable
algorithms for determining these states. Further, the state
determination engine 400 may perform disambiguation operations
based on a combination of data received from different sensor
types. Subsequently, for each type of state being determined, the
state determination engine 400 determines the state associated with
the user based on the processed data. The state determination
engine 400 may determine the vehicle states 402, environmental
states 404, and emotional states 406 in any technically feasible
fashion. For example, the state determination engine 400 could
implement any number and type of heuristics, rules, and/or machine
learning algorithms, in any combination, to determine the vehicle
states 402, environmental states 404, and emotional states 406. In
some embodiments, the state determination engine 400 may include
any number of sub-engines specific to respective types of vehicle
states 402, environmental states 404, and/or emotional states 406,
and configured to determine the respective states.
For instance, in some embodiments, the state determination engine
400 (or an emotional state sub-engine) comprises a support vector
machine, Bayes classifier, or a Markov chain. In other embodiments,
the state determination engine 400 includes an emotion
categorization model that maps facial images, biological data, and
application usage data to an emotional state 406. In some
embodiments, the state determination engine 400 correlates
processed data to previously observed data that is associated with
a known emotion. In the same or other embodiments, the state
determination engine 400 implements statistical algorithms to
determine the emotional states 406. Further, in some embodiments,
the state determination engine 400 may determine an emotional state
for the occupants as a collective. Alternatively, the state
determination engine may determine an emotional state for each
occupant and then aggregate the emotional states (e.g., an average
emotional state, a median emotional state, a weighted
aggregate).
As depicted with dotted boxes, the goal engine 410 may be
implemented in some embodiments, but may be omitted in other
embodiments. Embodiments in which the goal engine 410 is
implemented operate in a "goal mode," while embodiments in which
the goal engine 410 is omitted operate in a "non-goal mode." In
some embodiments, the goal engine 410 may be configured to operate
selectively in the goal mode based on any technically feasible
criteria (e.g., a configurable setting).
As shown, the goal engine 410 includes, without limitation, a goal
state 412, an initial state 414, and a goal status 416. Initially,
the goal engine 410 determines the goal state 412 based on the one
or more states determined by the state determination engine 400,
such as emotional states 406. The goal engine 410 may determine the
goal state 412 in any technically feasible fashion. For example,
the goal engine 410 could implement any number and type of
heuristics, rules, and/or machine learning algorithms, in any
combination, to generate the goal state 412 based on the emotional
states 406. The goal engine 410 may determine a collective goal
state 412 for the occupants in any technically feasible fashion and
based on any number of the emotional states 406. For example, the
goal engine 410 could generate the collective goal state 412 as a
weighted aggregate of the emotional states 406, where the emotional
states 406 associated with certain moods are more heavily weighted
than the other emotional states 406.
After the goal engine 410 determines the goal state 412, the goal
engine 410 sets the initial state 414 to reflect the emotional
state 406 and the goal status 416 to indicate that the goal state
412 is a new goal state 412. Subsequently, as the moodroof media
application 230 and moodroof displays 110 operate, the goal engine
410 receives an updated emotional state 406. The goal engine 410
then updates the goal status 416 to reflect whether the moodroof
media application 230 is successfully transitioning the emotional
state 406 associated with the target occupant from the initial
state 414 to the goal state 412.
The goal engine 410 may also regenerate the goal state 412, the
initial state 414, and the goal status 416 based on any
regeneration criteria (e.g., when the goal state 412 is reached).
In some alternate embodiments, the goal engine 410 includes neither
the initial state 414 nor the goal status 416. In such embodiments,
upon receiving a new emotional state 406, the goal engine 410
re-generates the goal state 412 based on the new emotional state
406. Notably, because emotions are often transitory, the goal state
412 may not be reached before the goal engine 410 generates a new
goal state 412 based on a new emotional state 406.
In some embodiments, the goal engine 410 may operate in conjunction
with user inputs 470 to the head unit 120. For example, occupants
may be presented with a user interface option (e.g., a touch screen
button via user input devices 208) to set the goal state to a
specific state (e.g., "make us happy"). In response to the user
input 470 corresponding to activation of the user interface option,
the goal engine 410 sets the goal state 412 to a state (e.g.,
"happy") associated with the user interface option, sets the
initial state 414 to reflect the emotional states 406, and sets the
goal status 416 to indicate that the specific goal state 412 is a
new goal state 412. Subsequently, as the moodroof media application
230 and moodroof displays 110 operate, the goal engine 410 receives
an updated emotional state 406. The goal engine 410 then updates
the goal status 416 to reflect whether the moodroof media
application 230 is successfully transitioning the emotional state
406 associated with the target occupant from the initial state 414
to the specific goal state 412.
The gating engine 420 determines whether the moodroof media
application 230 is to provide visual and/or audio media content to
the occupants based on the states 402, 404, 406 and/or based on
user inputs. The gating engine 420 may determine whether the
moodroof displays 110 are to provide visual media content to the
occupants in any technically feasible fashion. For example, if any
of the occupants made user inputs 470 to the head unit 120 to play
specific media content on the moodroof displays 110, then the
gating engine 420 could determine that the specific media content
will be played via the moodroof displays 110 and that the states
402, 404, 406 may be disregarded. In other words, the user input
selecting specific content to play may override playback of media
content that is acquired and/or generated based on the states 402,
404, 406. If no specific media content is selected by the
occupants, the gating engine 420 may determine that visual media
content may be provided to the occupants based on the states 402,
404, 406, and optionally further based on techniques that take into
consideration the goal state 412, the initial state 414, and/or the
goal status 416.
If the gating engine 420 determines that the moodroof displays 110
are not to provide visual media content to the occupants, then the
gating engine 420 configures the moodroof displays 110 to cease
providing visual media content to the occupants (e.g., disable the
moodroof displays 110 from displaying content). The gating engine
420 may also ensure that the moodroof media application 230 does
not acquire or generate visual media content 244 until the gating
engine 420 determines that the moodroof displays 110 are to provide
visual media content to the occupants. The gating engine 420 may
configure the moodroof displays 110 to cease providing audio
content to the occupants in any technically feasible fashion. For
example, if a moodroof display 110 is being moved to an open
position or is at the open position, the gating engine 420 may
determine that the moodroof display 110 is not to provide visual
media content to the occupants. The gating engine 420 then
configures the moodroof displays 110 to cease providing audio
content to the occupants (e.g., by fading out any content being
provided). The gating engine 420 may determine the position of the
moodroof displays 110 via communications with the moodroof
actuation system 216 and/or the sunroof actuations system 214
(e.g., the moodroof actuation system 216 can signal the display
positions to the moodroof media application 230).
If, however, the gating engine 420 determines that moodroof
displays 110 are to provide visual media content to the occupants,
then the media acquisition and generation engine 450 acquires
and/or generates the visual media content 244 based on the states
402, 404, 406 and/or user inputs 470 and, optionally, source visual
media content received from any number of the media sources 250.
For example, the media acquisition and generation engine 450 may
acquire visual media content from system memory 204, storage 210,
interior visual sensors 304, exterior visual sensors 306, and/or a
mobile device 218 associated with an occupant. The media
acquisition and generation engine 450 may generate visual media
content, including combining different pieces of visual media
content, in any technically feasible manner.
In some embodiments, if moodroof displays 110 are to provide visual
media content to the occupants, then the gating engine 420 may
automatically signal the moodroof actuation system 216 to close the
moodroof displays 110. Similarly, if the sunroof is at an open
position and moodroof displays 110 are to provide visual media
content to the occupants, then the gating engine 420 may
automatically signal the sunroof actuation system 214 to close the
sunroof as well. Further, if moodroof displays are integrated with
the sunroof, the gating engine 420 may automatically signal the
sunroof actuation system 214 to close the sunroof, and
correspondingly close the integrated moodroof displays.
As noted above, the media acquisition and generation engine 450 may
acquire source visual media content received from any number of the
media sources 250, and generate visual media content, including
combining different pieces of visual media content, in any
technically feasible manner. For example, if the time of day is
nighttime and the sky is cloudy outside, the media acquisition and
generation engine 450 may acquire and/or generate an image (e.g.,
an image of a clear night sky, a star-filled night sky, or an
aurora) in order to positively affect the emotional states of the
occupants. As another example, if the time of day is nighttime and
the sky is clear outside, the media acquisition and generation
engine 450 may acquire camera images of the sky from exterior
visual sensors 306, and generate an augmented reality overlay
(e.g., information on visible astronomical objects) to be overlaid
over the camera images, in order to entertain and/or positively
affect the emotional states of the occupants. The moodroof media
application 230 transmits the acquired and/or generated visual
media content 244 to the moodroof displays 110 via the head unit
120.
Additional, non-limiting examples of media content that may be
acquired and/or generated are as follows. If the vehicle is
travelling through an arid environment, the media acquisition and
generation engine 450 may acquire and/or generate an image of a
forest, an undersea environment with animated sea creatures, or a
stream. If the time of day is daytime and the sky is cloudy
outside, then the media acquisition and generation engine 450 may
acquire and/or generate an image of a sunny clear sky. These and
other examples of media content may be acquired and/or generated in
order to positively affect the emotional states of the occupants
and/or enhance the enjoyment of the occupants while riding the
vehicle 100.
In various embodiments, the moodroof media application 230 may also
acquire and/or generate audio media content 242 in a similar manner
as the visual media content 244. The audio media content 242 may be
acquired and/or generated in coordination with the visual media
content 244. The moodroof media application 230 transmits the
acquired and/or generated audio media content 242 to the audio
output device 212 via the head unit 120. The moodroof media
application 230 may provide audio media content 242 to the audio
output device 212 even while the moodroof displays 110 are not
displaying any content (e.g., because the moodroof displays 110 are
at the open position and thus configured to cease displaying
content). In some embodiments, the visual media content 244 further
includes ambient lighting within the vehicle cabin. For example,
the moodroof media application 230 may control the ambient lighting
within the vehicle cabin 103 based on similar techniques as those
described for acquiring and generating visual media content, as
described above.
Opening and Closing a Moodroof Display
FIGS. 5A-5E are diagrams illustrating operation of example moodroof
displays 502, according to one or more aspects of the various
embodiments. As shown, FIG. 5A illustrates moodroof displays 502,
sunroof glass panels 504, and a headliner 500 of a vehicle 100
(e.g., the ceiling of the vehicle cabin 103). The moodroof displays
502 are separate from the sunroof glass panels 504. In various
embodiments, the moodroof displays 502 are located below the
sunroof panels 504. In FIGS. 5A-5E, moodroof display 502-2 and
sunroof panel 504-2 are fixed, and moodroof display 502-1 and
sunroof panel 504-1 are movable. Thus, FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate an
example implementation of moodroof displays 110 in which the
moodroof displays 110 are display surfaces that are separate from
the panels of the sunroof and that may be moved independently of
the sunroof panels.
As shown in FIG. 5A, moodroof display 502-1 and sunroof panel 504-1
are in respective closed positions. Moodroof display 502-1 is
horizontally adjacent to moodroof display 502-2, and sunroof panel
504-1 is horizontally adjacent to sunroof panel 504-2. While
moodroof display 502-1 is at the closed position, moodroof display
502-1 is configured to display content. In various embodiments,
moodroof displays 502 are opaque--preventing light from passing
through the moodroof displays 502--regardless of whether the
moodroof displays 502 are displaying content or whether the
moodroof displays 502 are in the open position.
FIG. 5B shows moodroof display 502-1 beginning to move to an open
position. For example, an occupant may activate a moodroof opening
option via user input devices 208 and/or other moodroof
opening/closing controls. As another example, the moodroof media
application 230 may automatically activate movement of the moodroof
display 502-1 to an open position. In response, the head unit 102
sends signals to moodroof actuation system 216 to move moodroof
display 502-1 towards an open position. The moodroof actuation
system 216 angles moodroof display 502-1 at an angle that is
directed towards a space between sunroof panel 504-2 and moodroof
display 502-2.
While the moodroof display 502-1 is angled and/or moving towards
the open position, moodroof display 502-1 may be configured to
cease displaying content. For example, the gating engine 420, in
response to angling and/or movement of moodroof display 502-1,
could determine that moodroof display 502-1 is being opened and, in
response, could cease displaying content on moodroof display 502-1.
For example, the gating engine 420 may power down the moodroof
display 502-1 and/or fade out any content being displayed on
moodroof display 502-1 as the moodroof display 502-1 is moving
towards the open position.
The moodroof actuation system 216 then moves moodroof display 502-1
(e.g., along tracks of the moodroof actuation system 216) into the
space between sunroof panel 504-2 and moodroof display 502-2, as
shown in FIG. 5C. When moved into this space, the moodroof display
502-1 is in the open position. When in the open position, moodroof
display 502-1 may be configured to not display content, and
moodroof media application 230 may not output visual content 244 to
moodroof display 502-1. However, moodroof display 502-2 may still
be configured to display content while moodroof display 502-1 is in
the open position.
As shown in FIG. 5C, sunroof panel 504-1 is still in the closed
position. While sunroof panel 504-1 is in the closed position,
light from outside of the vehicle may pass through the sunroof
panel 504-1, but air from outside of the vehicle is restricted from
entering into the vehicle via the vehicle cabin ceiling. Vehicle
occupants may activate a sunroof opening option (e.g., via user
input devices 208 and/or other sunroof opening/closing controls) to
open the sunroof panel 504-1. In response, the head unit 102 sends
signals to sunroof actuation system 214 to move sunroof panel 504-1
to an open position. The sunroof actuation system 214 initiates
movement of the sunroof panel 504-1 by angling the sunroof panel
504-1 at an angle that is directed towards a space above sunroof
panel 504-2, as shown in FIG. 5D, and moves the sunroof panel 504-1
towards an open position in that space.
As shown in FIG. 5E, the sunroof panel 504-1 has completed movement
to the open position above sunroof panel 504-2. With both moodroof
display 502-1 and sunroof panel 504-1 at respective open positions,
an opening 506 through the vehicle roof has been created. Air can
flow through the vehicle cabin via the opening 506, and light can
pass through the opening 506 as well.
To close the sunroof panel 504-1 and/or moodroof display 502-1, the
steps shown in FIGS. 5A-5E may be reversed. For example, the
sunroof panel 504-1 may move back to its closed position, shown in
FIGS. 5A-5C, in response to user inputs and/or instruction from
moodroof media application 230. Moodroof display 502-1 moves back
to its closed position, shown in FIG. 5A.
It should be appreciated that the moodroof displays 502 and sunroof
panels 504 may be arranged in any technically feasible manner. For
example, the moodroof displays 502 may be manufactured to have a
thickness that fits into a space between moodroof display 502-2 and
sunroof panel 504-2, while still allowing the top of the sunroof
panels 504 to be flush with the top of the vehicle roof when in the
closed position. Further, the moodroof actuation system 216 and
sunroof actuation system 214 may be implemented in any technically
feasible manner. For example, the moodroof actuation system 216 may
have tracks and motors configured to move moodroof display 502-1,
as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. Furthermore, while FIGS. 5A-5E shows a
fixed moodroof display 502-2 and a fixed sunroof 504-2, moodroof
display 502-2 and/or sunroof panel 504-2 may be configured to be
moveable in any technically feasible manner in order to move
between respective open and closed positions.
FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrams illustrating the operation of a further
example of moodroof displays 602, according to one or more aspects
of the various embodiments. As shown, FIG. 6A illustrates moodroof
displays 602, sunroof glass panels 604, and a headliner 600 of a
vehicle (e.g., the ceiling of the vehicle cabin 103). The moodroof
displays 602 are integrated with the sunroof glass panels 604. For
example, moodroof display 602-1 is integrated with sunroof panel
604-1, and moodroof display 602-2 is integrated with sunroof panel
604-2. In some embodiments, the integrated moodroof display 602-1
is fixed to sunroof panel 604-1 and may flex along with sunroof
panel 604-1. Similarly, the integrated moodroof display 602-2 is
fixed to sunroof panel 604-2 and may flex along with sunroof panel
604-2. In FIGS. 6A-6C, sunroof panel 604-2 is fixed. Sunroof panel
604-1 is moveable, and moodroof display 602-1 moves along with
sunroof panel 604-1. Thus, FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate an example
implementation of moodroof displays 110 in a vehicle 100, in which
the moodroof displays are display surfaces that are integrated with
sunroof panels.
In some embodiments, moodroof displays 602 are thin LED displays
fixed to the sunroof panels 604. Further, in some embodiments,
moodroof displays 602 are semi-transparent and, thus, are able to
act as shading that allows some external light through even when
the sunroof panels 604 are in a closed position.
As shown in FIG. 6A, sunroof panel 604-1 and moodroof display 602-1
are in a closed position. Sunroof panel 604-1 is horizontally
adjacent to sunroof panel 604-2. While sunroof panel 604-1 is in
the closed position, moodroof display 602-1 may be configured to
display content.
FIG. 6B shows sunroof panel 604-1 beginning to move to an open
position. For example, an occupant may activate a moodroof (or
sunroof) opening option via user input devices 208 and/or other
moodroof (or sunroof) opening/closing controls. As another example,
the moodroof media application 230 may automatically activate
movement of the sunroof 604-1 to an open position. In response, the
head unit 102 sends signals to sunroof actuation system 214 to move
sunroof display 602-1 to an open position. The sunroof actuation
system 214 angles sunroof panel 604-1 at an angle that is directed
towards a space above sunroof panel 604-2.
While the sunroof panel 604-1 is angled and/or moving towards the
open position, moodroof display 602-1 may be configured to cease
displaying content. For example, the gating engine 420, in response
to angling and/or movement of sunroof panel 604-1, could determine
that sunroof panel 604-1 is being opened and, in response, could
cease displaying content on moodroof display 602-1. For example,
the gating engine 420 may power down the moodroof display 602-1
and/or fade out any content being displayed on moodroof display
602-1 as the sunroof panel 604-1 is moving towards the open
position.
The sunroof actuation system 214 then moves sunroof 604-1 (e.g.,
along tracks of the sunroof actuation system 214) into the space
above sunroof panel 604-2, as shown in FIG. 6C. When moved into
this space, the sunroof panel 604-1 is in the open position. When
the sunroof panel 604-1 is in the open position, moodroof display
602-1 may be configured to not display content, and moodroof media
application 230 may not output visual content 214 to moodroof
display 602-1. However, moodroof display 602-2 may still be
configured to display content while sunroof panel 604-1 is in the
open position.
With sunroof panel 604-1 in the open position, an opening 606
through the vehicle roof has been created. Air can flow through the
vehicle cabin via the opening 606, and light can pass through the
opening 606 as well.
To close the sunroof panel 604-1, the steps shown in FIGS. 6A-6C
may be reversed. For example, the sunroof panel 604-1 may move back
to its closed position, shown in FIG. 6A, in response to user
inputs and/or instruction from moodroof media application 230.
It should be appreciated that the sunroof panels 604 may be
arranged in any technically feasible manner, and the moodroof
displays 602 may be integrated with the sunroof panels 604 in any
technically feasible manner. For example, the moodroof displays 602
may be manufactured to have a thickness that avoids contact with
the sunroof glass 604-2 and the headliner 600 when in the open or
closed positions. Further, the sunroof actuation system 214 may be
implemented in any technically feasible manner. For example, the
sunroof actuation system 214 may have tracks and motors configured
to move sunroof panel 604-1 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. Furthermore,
while FIGS. 6A-6C shows a fixed sunroof 604-2, sunroof 604-2 may be
configured to be moveable in any technically feasible manner in
order to move between open and closed positions.
FIGS. 7A-7E are diagrams illustrating operation of an example
moodroof projection surface 702, according to one or more aspects
of the various embodiments. As shown, FIG. 7A illustrates a
moodroof projection surface 702, sunroof glass panels 704, a
headliner 700 of a vehicle 100 (e.g., the ceiling of the vehicle
cabin 103), and one or more projectors 706 mounted on the headliner
700. The projection surface 702 may be separate from the sunroof
panels 704 and may be extended and retracted below the sunroof
panels 704. For example, the projection surface 702 may be a
flexible surface that can be rolled (retracted) and unrolled
(extended) horizontally, similar to how a roll-up projector screen
can be retracted and extended vertically. Additionally or
alternatively, a lower surface of the sunroof panels 704 facing the
interior of the vehicle cabin may be implemented as the projection
surface 702. In FIGS. 7A-7E, the roll base of the projector surface
702 and the projection surface 702 may extend from the fixed roll
base. Additionally, sunroof panel 704-2 may be fixed, sunroof panel
704-1 may be movable. Accordingly, FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate an
example implementation of moodroof displays 110 in which the
moodroof displays 110 are implemented as a projection surface onto
which visual content 244 may be projected.
As shown in FIG. 7A, projection surface 702 and sunroof panel 704-1
are in respective closed positions. The projection surface 702 is
extended, obscuring the sunroofs 704. Sunroof panel 704-1 is
horizontally adjacent to sunroof panel 704-2. While the projection
surface 702 is in the closed position, projectors 706 are
configured to project content (e.g., visual content 244) onto
projection surface 702. For example, projector 706-1 projects a
projection 708-1 of content onto a first portion of the projection
surface 702, and projector 706-2 projects a projection 708-2 of
content onto a second portion of the projection surface 702. In
various embodiments, the projection surface 702 is
opaque--preventing light from passing through the projection
surface 702. In various other embodiments, the projection surface
702 is translucent or semi-transparent.
FIG. 7B shows the projection surface 702 in a partially open
position, revealing sunroof panel 704-1 but still obscuring sunroof
panel 704-2. For example, an occupant may activate a moodroof
opening option via user input devices 208 and/or other moodroof
opening/closing controls. In response, the head unit 102 sends
signals to moodroof actuation system 216 to retract the projection
surface 702 towards at least a partially open position. The
moodroof actuation system 216 rolls up the projection surface 702
at the fixed roll base, retracting the projection surface 702.
While the projection surface 702 is being retracted towards the
partially open position, projector 706-1 may be configured to cease
projecting content onto the projection surface 702. For example,
the gating engine 420, in response to retraction of the projection
surface 702, could determine that the projection surface 702 is
being retracted and, in response, the projector 706-1 could cease
projecting content. In such embodiments, the gating engine 420 may
power down the projector 706-1 and/or fade out the projection
708-1.
As shown in FIG. 7B, sunroof panel 704-1 is still in the closed
position. While sunroof panel 704-1 is in the closed position,
light from outside of the vehicle may pass through the sunroof
panel 704-1, but air from outside of the vehicle is restricted from
entering into the vehicle via the vehicle cabin ceiling. Vehicle
occupants may activate a sunroof opening option (e.g., via user
input devices 208 and/or other sunroof opening/closing controls) to
open the sunroof panel 704-1. In response, the head unit 102 sends
signals to sunroof actuation system 214 to move sunroof panel 704-1
to an open position. The sunroof actuation system 214 initiates
movement of the sunroof panel 704-1 by angling the sunroof panel
704-1 at an angle that is directed towards a space above sunroof
panel 704-2, as shown in FIG. 7C, and moves the sunroof panel 704-1
towards an open position in that space.
As shown in FIG. 7D, the sunroof panel 704-1 has completed movement
to the open position above sunroof panel 704-2. With projection
surface 702 in the partially open position and sunroof panel 704-1
in the open position, an opening 710 through the vehicle roof has
been created. Air can flow through the vehicle cabin via the
opening 710, and light can completely pass through the opening 710
as well.
The projection surface 702 may further be fully retracted to a
fully open position from the closed position or the partially open
position. For example, FIG. 7E illustrates the projection surface
702 retracted to the fully open position. The moodroof actuation
system 216 may fully retract the projection surface 702 in response
to signals from the head unit 102, which in turn transmits the
signals in response to user inputs and/or instructions from the
moodroof media application 230. The projection surface 702 may be
fully retracted while sunroof panel 704-1 is in the open or closed
position. When the projection surface 702 is fully retracted, the
sunroof panel 704-2 is exposed to the vehicle cabin, and light can
pass through the sunroof panel 704-2 into the vehicle cabin.
Furthermore, when the projection surface 702 is fully retracted,
both projectors 706-1 and 706-2 are configured to cease projecting
content.
To close the sunroof panel 704-1 and/or projection surface 702, the
steps shown in FIGS. 7A-7E may be reversed. For example, the
sunroof panel 704-1 may move back to its closed position, shown in
FIGS. 7A-7B, in response to user inputs and/or instruction from the
moodroof media application 230. The projection surface 702 may be
extended, from the fully or partially open position, into the
closed position, shown in FIG. 7A, in response to user inputs
and/or instruction from the moodroof media application 230.
It should be appreciated that the projection surface 702 and
sunroof panels 704 may be arranged in any technically feasible
manner. For example, the projection surface 702 may be manufactured
to have a thickness that fits into a space between sunroof panels
704 and the headliner 700. As another example, the projection
surface 702 may be implemented as one or more panels that can be
moved between an open and a closed position, instead of a rollable,
flexible surface. As a further example, the projection surface 702
may be implemented as two or more rollable, flexible surfaces.
Further, the moodroof actuation system 216 and sunroof actuation
system 214 may be implemented in any technically feasible manner.
For example, the moodroof actuation system 216 may have motors
configured to retract and extend the projection surface 702, and
tracks configured guide the retraction and extension of the
projection surface 702. Furthermore, while FIGS. 7A-7E shows a
fixed sunroof 704-2, sunroof 704-2 may be configured to be moveable
in any technically feasible manner in order to move between open
and closed positions.
FIG. 8 sets forth a flowchart of method steps for displaying media
content on a moodroof display system, according to one or more
aspects of the various embodiments. Although the method steps are
described in conjunction with the systems of FIGS. 1A-7E, persons
skilled in the art will understand that any system configured to
perform the method steps, in any order, falls within the scope of
the various embodiments.
As shown in FIG. 8, a method 800 begins at step 802, where a
moodroof media application 230 determines one or more states based
on sensor data. For example, moodroof media application 230 may
determine one or more vehicle states 402, environmental states 404,
and occupant emotional states 406 based on sensor data 330 from
sensors 220.
At step 804, if the moodroof media application 230 is not operating
in a goal mode (804--No), then the method proceeds to step 808. If
the moodroof media application is operating in a goal mode
(804--Yes), then the method 800 proceeds to step 806.
At step 806, the moodroof media application 230 updates an initial
state, a goal state, and/or a goal status based on the one or more
states. For example, the goal engine 410 may determine an initial
state 414, a goal state 412, and/or a goal status 416 based on the
one or more vehicle states 402, environmental states 404, and
occupant emotional states 406. To give a particular example, the
goal status 416 may determine that the initial state 414 is a
gloomy mood, determine a goal state 412 of a happy mood, and
determine the current status 416 toward the goal state 412.
At step 808, if one or more user inputs instructing certain content
for the moodroof display system has not been received (808--No),
then the method 800 proceeds to step 810. If one or more user
inputs (e.g., user inputs 470) instructing certain content for the
moodroof display system has been received (808--Yes), then the
method 800 proceeds to step 812.
At step 810, the moodroof media application 230 acquires and/or
generates visual media content and/or audio media content based on
at least the one or more states, media sources, and optionally a
goal state. For example, the media acquisition and generation
engine 450 may acquire visual content 244, and optionally audio
content 242, from media sources 250. The media acquisition and
generation engine 450 may also generate visual content 244 and
optionally audio content 242. The media acquisition and generation
engine 450 may further combine acquired visual content and
generated visual content (e.g., acquire camera images of the
exterior environment and generate augmented reality overlays for
the camera images). The acquired and/or generated visual content
244 may be selected and determined based on one or more of the
vehicle states 402, environmental states 404, and occupant
emotional states 406, and optionally a goal state 412, an initial
state 414, and a goal status 416.
At step 812, the moodroof media application 230 acquires and/or
generates visual media content and/or audio media content based on
at least the user inputs and the media sources. For example, the
media acquisition and generation engine 450 may acquire visual
content 244, and optionally audio content 242, from media sources
250 in accordance with user inputs 470 that select the content and
specify the media source. The media acquisition and generation
engine 450 may also generate visual content 244, and optionally
audio content 242, in accordance with the user inputs 470. In some
embodiments, the acquired and/or generated visual content is
associated with the audio content (e.g., visualization graphics
generated for a piece of music, an image of an ocean view
accompanying an ocean soundtrack, etc.). The media acquisition and
generation engine 450 may further combine acquired visual content
and generated visual content (e.g., acquire camera images of the
exterior environment and generate augmented reality overlays for
the camera images). In various embodiments, the acquisition and/or
generation may be based on the one or more states as well as the
user inputs 470. In some embodiments, the user inputs 470 specify a
goal state 412 instead of selecting specific content. In these
embodiments, the goal engine 410 sets the goal state 412 to the
specified goal state, and the media acquisition and generation
engine 450 acquires and/or generates content 244 and 242 to
progress toward the goal state 412.
At step 814, the moodroof media application 230 outputs the visual
content 244 to one or more moodroof displays 110 and outputs audio
content 242 to an audio output device 212. The moodroof media
application 230 transmits, via the head unit 120, visual content
244 to moodroof displays 110 (e.g., displays 502 or 602) or
projectors 708 for display or projection. The moodroof media
application 230 transmits, via the head unit 120, audio content 242
to audio output device 212 (e.g., speakers) for output.
At step 818, if the moodroof media application 230 determines that
the moodroof media application 230 is to cease executing
(818--Yes), then the method 800 ends. If the moodroof media
application 230 determines that the moodroof media application 230
is to continue executing (818--No), then the method 800 returns to
step 802, where the moodroof media application 230 may determine
updated states.
FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an implementation 900 of the
example moodroof displays of FIGS. 5A-5E, according to one or more
aspects of the various embodiments. FIG. 9 illustrates components
in an implementation 900 of the moodroof displays 502 and sunroof
panels 504. FIG. 9 shows the exploded view of the implementation
900 from a top-down angled perspective.
The implementation 900 includes a roof sheet metal 902 and a
headliner 910. The roof sheet metal 902 forms the upper surface of
the vehicle roof 102, and the headliner 910 forms the interior
surface of the vehicle roof 102. The roof sheet metal 902 includes
an opening 914, and the headliner 910 includes an opening 912. A
track and motor system 908 (e.g., moodroof actuation system 216)
may be mounted onto the headliner 902 along the sides of the
opening 912 in the headliner 902. A front, moving display 906
(e.g., moodroof display 502-1) may be positioned above the opening
912 in the headliner 910 and mounted on the tracks of the track and
motor system 908. A rear, fixed display 907 (e.g., moodroof display
502-2) may also positioned above the opening 912 in the headliner
910 and mounted in a fixed manner onto the tracks of the tracks of
the track and motor system 908. A glass sunroof assembly 904 (e.g.,
sunroof panels 504 and sunroof actuation system 214) is positioned
below the opening 914 in the roof sheet metal 902 and mounted to
the roof sheet metal 902.
FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of an implementation 1000 of
the further example moodroof displays of FIGS. 6A-6C, according to
one or more aspects of the various embodiments. FIG. 10 illustrates
components in an implementation 1000 of the moodroof displays 602
and sunroof panels 604. FIG. 10 shows the exploded view of the
implementation 1000 from a top-down angled perspective.
The implementation 1000 includes a roof sheet metal 1002 and a
headliner 1010. The roof sheet metal 1002 forms the upper surface
of the vehicle roof 102, and the headliner 1010 forms the interior
surface of the vehicle roof 102. The roof sheet metal 1002 includes
an opening 1014, and the headliner 1010 includes an opening 1012.
Front and rear displays 1006 (e.g., moodroof displays 602) are
fixed to the sunroof glass panels (e.g., sunroof panels 604) of a
glass sunroof assembly 1004. In some embodiments, the displays 1006
are transparent OLED displays. The glass sunroof assembly 1004
(e.g., sunroof panels 604 and sunroof actuation system 214) is
positioned below the opening 1014 in the roof sheet metal 1002 and
above the opening 1012 in headliner 1010. The glass sunroof
assembly 1004 may be mounted to the headliner 1010 and/or the roof
sheet metal 1002.
FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of an implementation 1100 of
the example moodroof projection surface of FIGS. 7A-7E, according
to one or more aspects of the various embodiments. FIG. 11
illustrates components in an implementation 1100 of the projection
surface 702 and sunroof panels 704. FIG. 11 shows the exploded view
of the implementation 1200 from a bottom-up angled perspective.
The implementation 1100 includes a roof sheet metal 1102 and a
headliner 1110. The roof sheet metal 1102 forms the upper surface
of the vehicle roof 102, and the headliner 1110 forms the interior
surface of the vehicle roof 102. The roof sheet metal 1102 includes
an opening 1114, and the headliner 1110 includes an opening 1112.
Projectors 1116-1 and 1116-2 may be mounted onto the headliner 1110
along sides of the opening 1112. A glass sunroof assembly 1104
(e.g., sunroof panels 604, sunroof actuation system 214) is
positioned below the opening 1114 in the roof sheet metal 1102 and
above the opening 1112 in headliner 1110. The glass sunroof
assembly 1104 may be mounted to the headliner 1110 and/or the roof
sheet metal 1102. The glass sunroof assembly 1104 further includes
a retractable projection surface (e.g., projection surface 702) and
associated tracks and motor (e.g., moodroof actuation system 216)
for retracting and extending the projection surface 702.
In sum, a vehicle includes a moodroof display system positioned in
an upper portion (e.g., a ceiling or roof) of a vehicle cabin of
the vehicle in lieu of, or in addition to, a sunroof (also referred
to as a "moonroof"). A moodroof media application may obtain sensor
data from one or more sensors, which may include vehicle sensors,
image sensors, environmental sensors, and biometric sensors. The
moodroof media application then acquires media content (e.g.,
images, video) based on the sensor data. For example, the vehicle
may determine one or more states and/or characteristics based on
the sensor data, and acquire media content based on the one or more
states and/or characteristics. Examples of the states and/or
characteristics that may be determined from sensor data include a
state of the vehicle, a characteristic of the vehicle cabin, a
state of an environment outside of the vehicle, and a
characteristic of the occupant(s). The moodroof media application
causes visual content associated with the media content, which may
be at least a component of the media content itself if the media
content includes visual content, to be displayed on the moodroof
display system on the upper portion of the vehicle cabin. In some
embodiments, the moodroof display system includes at least two
displays, where at least one display is retractable to expose the
vehicle cabin to the outside environment of the vehicle.
Additionally or alternatively, the moodroof display system may
include a projection system having a retractable projection
surface.
At least one advantage and technological improvement of the
disclosed techniques is that the ceiling of a vehicle cabin may be
used as a display space for displaying media content to occupants
in the vehicle cabin, while still allowing the ceiling to be opened
in order to let natural light and air flow into the vehicle cabin.
Another advantage and technological improvement is that the
disclosed techniques enable immersive media experiences that
further enhance the experience of the vehicle occupants. A further
advantage and technological improvement is that, because the media
content may be acquired based on the emotional state(s) of the
occupant(s), the overall experience of the occupant(s) may be
improved.
1. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for
presenting media content within a vehicle cabin comprises
determining at least one state associated with the vehicle cabin
based on sensor data from at least one sensor; receiving media
content associated with the at least one state; and causing visual
content associated with the media content to be displayed on at
least one display surface positioned on a ceiling of the vehicle
cabin.
2. The method of clause 1, wherein the at least one display surface
is disposed vertically below a sunroof of the vehicle cabin.
3. The method of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sensor
comprises at least one of a vehicle sensor, an environmental
sensor, and a biometric sensor.
4. The method of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the at least one state
comprises at least one of a vehicle state, an environmental state,
and an emotional state of an occupant of the vehicle cabin.
5. The method of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the at least one
display surface comprises a first display device and a second
display device, wherein the first display device is adjacent the
second display surface, and both the first display surface and the
second display device display the visual content towards an
interior of the vehicle cabin.
6. The method of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the visual content
comprises visual content received from a device associated with an
occupant of the vehicle cabin, and the device is communicatively
coupled to an infotainment system of the vehicle cabin.
7. The method of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the at least one
display surface runs parallel to the ceiling of the vehicle
cabin.
8. In some embodiments, a system for displaying media content in a
vehicle cabin comprises a first display surface positioned on a
ceiling of the vehicle cabin; a second display surface positioned
on the ceiling of the vehicle cabin, wherein the first display
surface is movable relative to the second display surface; a memory
storing a media application; and a processor coupled to the memory,
wherein the processor, when executing the media application, causes
the first display surface and the second display surface to display
media content in the vehicle cabin.
9. The system of clause 8, wherein causing the first display
surface and the second display surface to display media content
comprises transmitting the media content to one or more projectors,
wherein the one or more projectors project the media content onto
the first display surface and the second display surface.
10. The system of clauses 8 or 9, wherein the first display surface
is at least partially transparent.
11. The system of any of clauses 8-10, wherein, when the first
display surface is in a closed position, the first display surface
is horizontally adjacent to the second display surface.
12. The system of any of clauses 8-11, wherein, when the first
display surface is in an open position, the first display surface
is positioned vertically above the second display surface.
13. The system of any of clauses 8-12, wherein, when executed by
the processor, the media application further causes the processor
to cause the first display surface to cease displaying media
content when the first display surface is in an open position.
14. The system of any of clauses 8-13, wherein the first display
surface is disposed vertically below a sunroof panel, wherein, when
both the first display surface and the sunroof panel are in open
positions, a sunroof of the vehicle cabin is open to an external
environment.
15. In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory
computer-readable storage media include instructions that, when
executed by a processor, cause the processor to present media
content by performing the steps of determining a first emotional
state associated with at least one occupant within a vehicle cabin;
receiving media content associated with the first emotional state;
and causing visual content associated with the media content to be
displayed on at least one display surface positioned on a ceiling
of the vehicle cabin.
16. The one or more computer-readable storage media of clause 15,
wherein the visual content comprises at least one of still images
and video associated with the first emotional state.
17. The one or more computer-readable storage media of clauses 15
or 16, wherein receiving the media content associated with the
first emotional state comprises determining a goal emotional state
based on the first emotional state; and acquiring the media content
based on the goal emotional state.
18. The one or more computer-readable storage media of any of
clauses 15-17, wherein receiving the media content associated with
the first emotional state comprises receiving a user input
associated with a goal emotional state; and selecting the media
content based on the goal emotional state.
19. The one or more computer-readable storage media of any of
clauses 15-18, wherein the at least one display surface comprises a
first display surface and a second display surface, wherein the
first display surface is moveable relative to a second display
surface positioned on the ceiling of the vehicle cabin.
20. The one or more computer-readable storage media of any of
clauses 15-19, further comprising determining at least one of a
vehicle state and an environmental state, and wherein receiving the
media content associated with the first emotional state comprises
acquiring the media content that is further based on the at least
one of the vehicle state and the environmental state.
Any and all combinations of any of the claim elements recited in
any of the claims and/or any elements described in this
application, in any fashion, fall within the contemplated scope of
the present protection.
The descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented for
purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or
limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and
variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
without departing from the scope and spirit of the described
embodiments.
Aspects of the present embodiments may be embodied as a system,
method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the
present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware
embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware,
resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining
software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to
herein as a "module" or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the
present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product
embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer
readable program code embodied thereon.
Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be
utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable
signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer
readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an
electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or
semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable
combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a
non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would
include the following: an electrical connection having one or more
wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access
memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable
read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a
portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage
device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of
the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable
storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or
store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction
execution system, apparatus, or device.
Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products
according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program
instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided
to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to
produce a machine. The instructions, when executed via the
processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus, enable the implementation of the functions/acts
specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
Such processors may be, without limitation, general purpose
processors, special-purpose processors, application-specific
processors, or field-programmable gate arrays.
The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the
architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more
executable instructions for implementing the specified logical
function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative
implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of
the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in
succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or
the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,
depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted
that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart
illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams
and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special
purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions
or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer
instructions.
While the preceding is directed to embodiments of the present
disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be
devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the
scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
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